Ancient Indian Philosophy

By - V A Menon

Ancient Indian philosophy is based on Atheism. There is no creator or personal God in ancient Hindu philosophy. This belief is borrowed from other religions. Hinduism is not an organized Religion. It is a way of life. That is why festivals and beliefs vary from region to region. Festivals People of northern India celebrate are not celebrated in southern India. ONAM is the biggest Festival of Kerala, in South India. It’s a harvest festival celebrated by anyone who is a Keralite Irrespective of religions. This festival is not celebrated by north Indians. Similarly there are festivals like Vishnu and Thiruvathira celebrated in Kerala. People from other states do not know what these festivals are. People living in various regions developed their own beliefs, festivals and Rituals. That’s why Hindus are not united as a religion like other religions. Hinduism is famous for its Varieties. Theists and Atheists live together in a Hindu family, which we cannot find in other religions.

For better understanding of ancient Hindu or Indian culture and philosophy one must read the following books by DEBIPRASAD CHATOPADHYA.

INDIAN ATHEISM

INDIAN PHYLOSOPHY

LOKAYATA: a study in ancient Indian Materialism

Science and society in Ancient India

In defense of materialism in Ancient India

When scientists were killed and tortured in the west for their honorable work, in India knowledge was advancing. Indian Rishis (saints) like Aryabhata and Bhaskara explained planetary system centuries before Bruno, Galileo or Newton. Kanada has propounded Atomic theory centuries before scientist could do it. Charaka and Susrutha developed surgical procedures and treatment methods when medical science was not there. But this growth of knowledge went into oblivion in the middle ages.

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Superstitions speak to powerful emotional needs that science often leaves unfulfilled. it caters to fantasies about personal powers we lack. It offers satisfaction of spiritual hungers, cures for disease, promises that death is not the end. It assures us that we are hooked up and tied to the Universe